Bali's Hidden Gem: Double Pavilion Paradise (2BR #V190)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a review of [Hotel Name], and trust me, it's a ride. I'm not a robot, I'm not a PR flunky, I'm just a person who stayed there and scribbled down a whole lotta thoughts, and now I'm unleashing them. Don't expect perfect SEO keyword placement in every sentence; expect honesty. Let's get messy.
The [Hotel Name] Experience: A Thoroughly Unfiltered Review
First off, let's get the stuff everyone always asks about out of the way. Because, you know, access is kind of a big deal these days, right?
Accessibility: The Good, the "Meh", and the "Huh?"
Okay, I'll be brutally honest, I'm not a wheelchair user, so I can only base this on observation and the hotel's claims. They do claim to have wheelchair accessibility (keyword alert!), but like, how thorough is it? "Facilities for disabled guests" is listed, so that's a good start. There's an elevator (thank heavens), which is a must, obviously. But I didn't see specific details about room features like grab bars. So, it's… tentatively accessible, but probably best to call directly to confirm specific needs are met. Definitely ask about the "On-site accessible restaurants / lounges," because that's gonna make or break the experience for some.
Internet: When Your Connection is the Only Thing That Matters
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!: HALLELUJAH! Seriously, in this day and age, a fee for Wi-Fi is basically highway robbery. And thank goodness it's in the rooms - that's the most important part, right? Need to upload those vacation pics instantly.
- Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas: Okay, they’ve covered their bases. Public Wi-Fi felt a little… spotty at times, but the in-room situation? Solid gold. Perfect for streaming that trashy TV show you secretly love.
- Internet [LAN]: Didn't test it. I'm a Wi-Fi gal. Sue me.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Covid-Era Rundown
Alright, let's be real, post-pandemic, this is huge. Did they take it seriously? Mostly. Here's the breakdown:
- Anti-viral cleaning products? Check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas? Seemed like it. I mean, I didn't follow the cleaners around with a magnifying glass, but things seemed sparkly.
- Doctor/nurse on call? Good to know, though thankfully, I didn't need either.
- Hand sanitizer? Ever present! Like, a bit too present. At the entrance, in the lobby, by the elevator… You're never more than a foot away from a squirt.
- Hygiene certification? I think they had some, but I didn't scrutinize it.
- Individually-wrapped food options? Definitely. Which, honestly, made the breakfast buffet feel a little… sterile. (But necessary, I get it.)
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter? They tried. It's challenging in a crowded breakfast room, but they did put up some ropes.
- Room sanitization opt-out available? Smart move. Gives you some control.
- Rooms sanitized between stays? Assumed.
- Safe dining setup? Mostly yes. Tables spaced out, staff wearing masks.
- Staff trained in safety protocol? Seemed it. They were definitely washing their hands. A lot.
- Sterilizing equipment? Probably.
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, Security [24-hour]: Made me feel secure.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food (with some caveats)
Let's get to the real reason we visit hotels, shall we? Food.
- Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant: Yes, yes, a thousand times yes. Their congee was divine. Seriously, I dream about that congee.
- Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service: The buffet was… what it was. See above about the sterility. But they did have everything. From the congee to, like, a full English breakfast. Can't complain about choices.
- Restaurants: Several! Which is a plus, because you get bored of the same options quickly.
- Bar, Poolside bar, Coffee shop, Snack bar: Drinks, drinks, drinks! And snacks from the bar. I'm a fan.
- Room service [24-hour]: This is a LIFESAVER. 3 AM craving for fries? No problem. (Okay, they weren't the best fries, but I was happy.)
- A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: You've got options. A LOT. (But maybe the dessert selection could be a little stronger?)
Anecdote Time:
I remember trying to enjoy the poolside bar. The scenery was beautiful, yes, but the service? Ugh. I waited for ages for a drink. The bartender seemed… distracted. Eventually, he sent a waiter over, who seemed equally lost. After another long wait and a lot of awkward eye contact with other disgruntled guests, I got my (mediocre) cocktail. The view was worth it… but the wait? Painful. (I’m rating the bar a 2/5 stars for service!)
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things (That Matter)
- Air conditioning in public area, Air conditioning: Essential - you have to have it!
- Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Seminars: Well equipped for business trips or seminars. Useful.
- Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Currency exchange, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, Xerox/fax in business center: Practical, and definitely handy if you have a flight in the morning.
- Contactless check-in/out: Thank. The. Lord. Check-in should be streamlined and quick.
- Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Ironing service, Laundry service: Standard, but necessary.
- Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop: Good.
- Invoice provided: Useful.
- On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Terrace: If you were planning a party, it would be a good place to start.
- Smoking area: Necessary, if you're a smoker.
- Wi-Fi for special events: Yes. I guess?
For the Kids: Are the Kiddies Allowed?
- Babysitting service? I saw it listed.
- Family/child friendly? Seemed like it.
- Kids facilities, Kids meal: Didn't see specifics, but I imagine they catered to families.
Things to Do… Or Not
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Okay, now this is where things get interesting. They have all the spa things. A sauna! A steam room! And a pool with a view! Yes, please!
- Personal Experience: I spent a glorious afternoon in the spa. The massage was… decent. (I've had better, I've had worse.) The pool with a view, however, was spectacular. I'd book for that alone. Sipping a cocktail, gazing out over… whatever it was I was gazing out at… pure bliss. Just remember to bring your own book. (The spa library was sadly lacking in anything interesting)
The Room Itself: Where You Actually Sleep (Hopefully)
- Available in all rooms, Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: The essentials, really. The room was well-appointed, clean, and comfortable.
Bali, Baby! (Or, My Attempt to Remain Sane in Paradise - a Trip Journal)
Alright, so here we are. Double Pavilion 2 BR #V190, Indonesia. Sounds fancy, right? Promises of sun-drenched dreams and Instagram-worthy sunsets. Honestly? Right now, it smells faintly of mildew and the air con is wheezing like a chain smoker. But hey, we’re here! Bali! And maybe, just maybe, that promise of paradise will actually… you know… materialize.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Luggage Debacle (and Mild Panic)
- Morning (ish): Land in Denpasar. Chaos. Absolute delightful, soul-crushing chaos. Imagine a thousand scooters buzzing like angry bees combined with the general sweaty panic of trying to find your luggage after a 16-hour flight. We land. I swear I see the customs official give me a side-eye, probably because I'm already sweating and clutching my passport like it's the last chocolate bar on earth.
- Problem: Our luggage… never showed up. Yep. Lost. Vanished. Gone to explore the vast, unknown cargo hold of a Boeing 787. My favourite floral shirt (the one I absolutely needed for Instagram) – missing in action.
- Reaction: Okay. Deep breaths. Count to ten. Then, a series of increasingly frantic phone calls and frantic pleading at the airline desk. The official gives me a shrug, a look that plainly says, "Welcome to Indonesia, honey."
- Afternoon: The airport shuffle. Finally, after what feels like a decade, a driver with our names on a slightly crumpled piece of paper finds us. He's a lovely, cheerful man named Wayan, and thankfully, he seems immune to the baggage-less existential dread radiating from me.
- The Drive: The drive to the villa is… an experience. Think: traffic jams, temples, rice paddies, and a constant symphony of scooter horns. Wayan points out things with a flourish, the only words I understand being “Bali” and “Selamat Datang” (Welcome!) which, honestly, I could use a lot more of right then.
- Evening: Double Pavilion. #V190. We arrive. And I'll be real – it is pretty. The plunge pool looks inviting. The mildewy smell is kinda manageable… We're almost unpacked. I vow to buy a toothbrush tomorrow.
Day 2: Embracing the Tourist (and Possibly Vomiting on a Rice Paddy)
Morning: Okay, time to be a tourist. First proper Balinese breakfast: Nasi Goreng. Delish! (Though I may or may not have accidentally added a whole chili. My mouth burned). After a long and sweaty walk through the rice paddies, my stomach finally settles.
- First Experience: We ventured out for a (booked) Rice Paddy Walk. I was super prepared. I had my hat, my SPF 50, and… a feeling that perhaps I hadn’t properly understood the concept of “humidity.”
- Quirk: The rice terraces are stunning. Like, seriously breathtaking. But also… hot. And muddy. And I swear I saw a tiny, adorable frog that then promptly got eaten by a giant heron. Nature, am I right?
- Emotional Response: I was in full awe mode for the first hour. Then, the sweat started dripping, the sun was really hitting the back of my neck, and I became slightly convinced I was going to faint. (Spoiler alert: I didn't, but I definitely had a moment of panic.)
- Imperfections: I almost tripped into a muddy rice paddy. Twice. My attempts to take "artistic" photos of the "ethereal" landscape resulted in mostly blurry shots and one very unfortunate panorama with my thumb in the corner.
Afternoon: Ubud exploration. Monkey Forest. (More on that later. A LOT more).
- The Monkeys: The Monkey Forest is a wild ride. Adorable, mischievous monkeys everywhere. They’re cute until they’re eyeing your water bottle, your sunglasses, or your entire bag of snacks. Suddenly, they’re miniature, furry, kleptomaniacs.
- Anecdote #1: One brazen monkey tried to steal my friend’s glasses right off her face.
- Anecdote #2: I witnessed a monkey trying to dismantle a tourist's backpack, pulling out sunscreen in a series of rapid movements.
- Anecdote #3: Another monkey, perched on a handrail, nonchalantly peed on a group of unsuspecting tourists. (Spoiler Alert: I was one of the tourists.)
- Reaction: I alternated between squealing with delight, shrieking in terror, and developing a new-found respect for the evolutionary genius of primates. The whole experience was simultaneously exhilarating and horrifying.
- The Monkeys: The Monkey Forest is a wild ride. Adorable, mischievous monkeys everywhere. They’re cute until they’re eyeing your water bottle, your sunglasses, or your entire bag of snacks. Suddenly, they’re miniature, furry, kleptomaniacs.
Evening: Dinner at a Warung. Simple, delicious, and cheap. I'm starting to get the hang of this Bali thing. (Still no luggage, though. Grrr.)
Day 3: Temples, Tears (and Maybe Just a Liiittle Bit of Drunkenness)
- Morning: Visited Tanah Lot Temple. The sea. The waves. The temple perched on a rock. Pretty amazing.
- Quirky Observation: The sheer number of people taking selfies was a spectacle in itself. I’m pretty sure I saw someone accidentally drop their phone into the ocean. (Karma, maybe?)
- Emotional Reaction: It’s hard to be cynical in a place like this. The sunrise was spectacular. I might have shed a tear. Definitely took some pictures.
- Imperfection: Okay, here's the thing. I spent the entire time worrying about the tide coming in and trapping us on the island. I’m a worrier, okay?
- Afternoon: We took a cooking class. (Hey, at least I know what I'm eating now.) Had a blast! I'm now confident I can make delicious Indonesian food. I'm also now confident I'll probably never get the flavor quite right.
- Focus on the Class: This was amazing! We learned to create some authentic local dishes with fresh, delicious ingredients.
- Quirk: The chef was hilarious and kept trying to sneak us extra chili peppers.
- Reaction: We were feeling so skilled, so confident. We practically ran out of that class.
- Imperfection: I was hungover from the night before. I kept misplacing my knife. I accidentally set my wok on fire. (Okay, maybe it was just smoking a little. Okay, a lot.)
- The Aftermath: The food? Surprisingly edible. In fact, it was really, really good. I'm so proud and a little embarrassed.
- Evening: Drinks. Too many drinks. A hazy blur of dancing and laughing. I might have made friends with a cat. (Or, maybe, I think I did.) The night ended with karaoke. My voice is terrible. I don't care.
Day 4: The Search for the Missing Shirt, and a Sudden Craving for Laundry Soap
- Morning: Woke up with a headache and a faint memory of belting out Bon Jovi in a karaoke bar. (Mortifying). Okay, back to reality. Still no luggage. The floral shirt remains at large.
- Opinion: The airline is clearly run by a bunch of monkeys.
- Reaction: Today, I am determined to find that shirt. Or at least a decent replacement.
- Afternoon: Wandered through Ubud Market. Bargained. Bought some souvenirs. Came face-to-face with a carved wooden penis. (Cultural differences, folks.)
- Quirky Observation: The salespeople are relentless. I swear, I was accosted by a vendor who tried to sell me a “genuine Balinese massage oil” made, according to him, "from the tears of the gods."
- Imperfection: I bought a small carved frog. I’m not entirely sure why.
- Evening: Laundry day! (Finally!). The Double Pavilion, thankfully, has a washing machine. I’m strangely excited about this.
- Rambling: The little things. Suddenly, the most mundane tasks become a source of joy. The smell of clean laundry. A functional washing machine. These are the small victories.
- Reaction: Okay. I actually love laundry. It’s the smell of fresh hope. Of cleanliness. Of finally getting rid of all that sweat from the rice paddy and all those lingering memories from that karaoke bar!
Day 5: The Beach, the Sun, and the REALization that I'm Actually Relaxing (Sort Of)
So, like, what *is* this whole "FAQ" thing even about?
Okay, real talk? I'm supposed to answer frequently asked questions. *Frequently* asked. Which begs the question: who's asking these things? Is it you? Did you, maybe, poke around and stumble upon this digital mess? Because, let's face it, the internet is a wild, wild place. And if *you* are asking the questions... well then this all makes sense. It's a bit self-serving, a little awkward, but here we are! So buckle up!
Why are the FAQs on *this* subject so… weird?
You know, I've been asked this a lot (Okay, I’m lying. Nobody *asked* me, exactly. But I suspect it). Because they are? Because the official, polished ones bored me half to death! It's like, the internet is full of shiny, perfectly-formatted answers. But what if you want the *truth*? (And maybe a good chuckle along the way?) I'm not perfect. I'm probably going to trail off mid-sentence and then randomly circle back. Deal with it. Or, you know, don't read them. No pressure. But I’m also going to ramble a bit.
Will these answers actually *help* me?
Look, I make no guarantees. I’m an internet question answerer, not a therapist. Sometimes, I even don’t know what I feel. Sometimes, it’s not pretty. I'll try, I *really* will. But you might get more philosophical meandering than concrete solutions. So if you need concrete directions to something, turn back now. But if you want to know... like really know the things, then maybe, just maybe, you've come to the right place. (Maybe).
What are the downsides to [Subject]? I'm hearing a lot of one-sided hype!
Alright, here we go. *Everything* has downsides. Anyone who tells you otherwise is selling you something – or, more likely, trying to pull the wool over your eyes. So, let's talk about the hard stuff: [Subject] can be incredibly frustrating. Like, *screaming-into-a-pillow* frustrating. I remember this one time…oh boy. (Sorry. I'm going off the rails already.) It’s about this one day when I... (Forget it). Okay, back to the downsides. They can be expensive. The learning curve can be steep. And more often than not, it takes you a couple of tries, and each one that fails, it sucks a bit more of your soul away (okay, dramatic, I know). But also, seriously, sometimes it's a complete waste of time! And time is all we've got! So, consider yourself warned. But also, remember… the worst-case scenario is that you'll be able to laugh about it later. Probably.
On the other hand... what are the BEST things about it?
Okay, now we're talking! (Finally.) Like, seriously, when it *works*? It's amazing. Pure magic. I remember this one time, I was just absolutely *blown* by this thing. It was like... (Sigh, gotta get a grip…) Okay, back to the good stuff! It's empowering. It can save you time (that's a big one, actually). And for me, it's brought me a community… (and let's be honest, some serious validation, even if it's just digital nods). The best things are probably the ones you don't expect. The little surprises. The moments when you think, "Whoa. That's cool." Finding them is worth the heartache, you know?
What advice would you give someone *just* starting out?
Oh, man. Okay. Here's the deal - you're probably gonna screw up. A LOT. And that's okay! Seriously. Embrace the mistakes. The universe doesn't care. Don't be afraid to ask stupid questions. Everyone else feels dumb sometimes. Find your people – the ones who will commiserate with you when things go wrong, and celebrate the small victories with you. And most importantly? Don't give up. I almost did, a couple of times myself. Then one day, I was like, "Screw it. I'm going to keep figuring this thing out," and I kept going. Find that "screw it" button. That's the real secret.
What's the most common misconception about [Subject]?
That it's easy. Or that it's quick. People see the finished product, the polished result, and they think, "Oh, *that* looks simple." But let me tell you, behind that shiny exterior is a whole lot of frustration, late nights, and possibly a small pile of broken things! The biggest misconception is believing that it's going to go perfectly, the first time. That’s a straight-up lie. Because life's a mess. Embrace the mess.
What's the most important skill/tool to master if you're getting into this?
Patience. No joke. And Google-Fu. Knowing how to search for what you need (or what you *think* you need) is like, the superpower. Because you're going to need it. A lot. You're going to get stuck. You're going to feel like you're the only one who can't figure it out. And that's when your Google-Fu skills need to be on point. Plus, learn to take a break. Go for a walk. Drink some water. Stare at the wall. Come back later. Trust me.
Any final words of wisdom?
Don't be afraid to make it your own. Seriously. The "right" way is the way that works for *you*. Oh look, I'm suddenly all inspirational now. (Insert eyeroll here). But it's true! Mess around. Experiment. Break things. Fix them. Or don't fix them. See what happens. And… don't take it all so seriously. We're overthinking everything, aren't we? That’s what I'm doing, at least. Anyway. Good luck. And maybe send me a message if you have any more questions. OrHotel Search Site
